Boxing Stars Shine in Bare-Knuckle Debuts at BKB 56
Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB) continued its push into the mainstream on Saturday night as several former world boxing champions made successful transitions to the promotion’s patented Trigon at BKB 56 inside The Novo at LA Live in Los Angeles. The sold-out event showcased recognizable names from the boxing world proving they still have plenty left to offer in combat sports.
Former WBC Welterweight Champion Victor Ortiz headlined the card in his highly anticipated bare-knuckle debut against veteran Dominic Salcido. While Ortiz needed all five rounds to secure the victory, he controlled the action throughout the contest, earning a unanimous decision and successfully introducing himself to BKB fans. The performance demonstrated that the former world champion’s power and durability remain intact despite making the transition from traditional boxing.
The night’s most spectacular finish belonged to former WBO Interim Junior Middleweight Champion Alfredo Angulo. Known throughout his boxing career for his relentless pressure and devastating punching power, “El Perro” wasted little time making an impression in bare-knuckle competition. Angulo flattened Rashad Bowens with a crushing second-round knockout, bringing the Los Angeles crowd to its feet and immediately establishing himself as a dangerous contender in BKB.
Also making a successful debut was former IBF Super Featherweight Champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr., who stopped Nate Williams with an impressive knockout victory. Following the win, Diaz expressed interest in returning to compete at super lightweight later this year, suggesting his venture into bare-knuckle boxing may be more than a one-off appearance.
Elsewhere on the card, Jesse Sparks, Henry Corrales, and LT Nelson all earned stoppage victories, while Ozzie Alvarez picked up a decision win. The preliminary card featured several exciting finishes, including knockout victories for Jorge Martinez, Danny Ramirez, Zion Tomlinson, and Diaz, while Jackie Cataline and Alexa Gracias fought to a split draw.
BKB’s strategy of attracting established boxing talent continues to pay dividends. Ortiz, Angulo, and Diaz all brought name recognition to the event while delivering performances that resonated with longtime fight fans and newcomers alike. As more high-profile boxers explore opportunities beyond the traditional ring, BKB is positioning itself as an attractive destination by offering a unique rule set and its compact Trigon fighting surface.
With BKB continuing to sign recognizable names and produce action-packed events, Saturday’s card served as another reminder that bare-knuckle boxing is carving out a significant place in the combat sports landscape. If BKB can continue blending veteran stars with emerging talent, the promotion appears well positioned for continued growth heading into the remainder of 2026.
